FM Transmitter with OEM Radio?

[mdamatas]

Hi! I actually have 2 concerns... Hope to hear (read, hehe) some suggestions/comments...

I have the original radio that came with my Tiida, it's a CD/MP3 player with Aux In port:

I have been using a cable to plug in my iPod, but I just don't really like the cable hanging out there, and having to plug it, unplug it every time I want to use it... So, here's the first question: Does someone here is using an FM Transmitter? From what I see over the Internet, people complaints a lot about quality, I would appreciate some feedback on using it.

Second question is, looking at the picture of my OEM radio, does someone know if there is some iPod integration I can buy or have the dealership to install?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[MinisterofDOOM]

If you're going FM, the best (but also most expensive) route is to use a WIRED FM modulator. They're easy to install and much "stealthier" than a wireless transmitter. They send a powered signal directly into the antenna line-in to the radio and sit between the antenna and the radio so you don't loose your normal radio function. With hard-wired, you don't have to worry about dealing with poor signal strength as with wireless. And since the modulator uses the antenna line-in, you don't need to bother with adaptors or converters.

I strongly considered getting a wired FM modulator until I remembered that using ANY FM modulator would mean my powered antenna would always be extended...which I don't want. You don't have to worry about that with the Versa.

[robj80]

A wired in FM transmitter may be good but no FM transmitter will be as good as your aux jack. If you really can't stand the wire then I would look into accessing that port from a different way.

Maybe open up the radio and then move the port. Meaning pull it into the radio if possible then drill a hole out the side of the case behind the plastic dash piece. Then run a wire under the center console and have it come out the armrest (if you have it) or run it into the glove box or cubby above the radio. That way you won't see the wire.

[biggie]

There is an Ipod interface that you should be able to buy and have installed through the dealer. At least there is here. But it is rather expensive I believe.

[rwanttaja]

A wired in FM transmitter may be good but no FM transmitter will be as good as your aux jack. If you really can't stand the wire then I would look into accessing that port from a different way.

Maybe open up the radio and then move the port. Meaning pull it into the radio if possible then drill a hole out the side of the case behind the plastic dash piece. Then run a wire under the center console and have it come out the armrest (if you have it) or run it into the glove box or cubby above the radio. That way you won't see the wire.

Another possibility would be to use a right-angle plug, then tuck the wire between the radio and the dash to run it behind the radio and up to the cubby. Not as clean as Rob's suggestion, but it doesn't involve modifying the radio itself.

Ron

[biggie]

Install of the Ipod adapter to SL with Sat radio:

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=267206

[mdamatas]

Install of the Ipod adapter to SL with Sat radio:

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=267206

I'm not sure if I can do that, my Tiida is not SL (here in Panama is not sold as S, SL) but looking at some comparisson, such the armrest, which I don't have, my radio doesn't have 6-CD changer, and wouldn't know about the Sat option... I might still check that setup, it seems the cleaner one, thanks!

So FM quality is that bad eh?

[Moghedian]

So FM quality is that bad eh?

Yes, it is that bad. It worked just well enough to get by and be of moderate use. After I got metallic tinted windows, I couldnt get anything. I would die for one of those jacks. Im telling you, getting an FM transmitter is a serious downgrade. Unless you do the hard-wired version recommended by MoD. That might be worth looking into.

[MinisterofDOOM]

It's too bad the Versa doesn't have a cassette player, because I just remembered another option:

http://www.geekalerts.com/blue...apter/

For the completely wireless approach.

[J. Reid]

I'd agree directly wired in is far superior. I've got a basic $15 FM transmitter for my iPod that I use in my V, however the quality is pretty marginal. Usually I just leave the iPod in the rear cupholder in the console, if I leave it on the passenger seat it degrades to static pretty easily.

[the djay]

My Fatherinlaw just gave my son a FM plugin combo for his Ipod. It has a wire you can plug into the headphone jack or the bottom plug(charger) fits into the Ipod and you don't need the headphone jack. It broadcasts to the radio on several different frequencies(let's you choose ) and fits into the power plugin. Don't really need it in the V as it has an Aux but it does charge the Ipod while it is being used. I think I saw one for around $50.00cdn somewhere. Not the greatest quality of sound though but then mp3's are not the greatest quality in my opinion.

[mdamatas]

I guess I won't be using an FM Transmitter right now, hehe...

I liked the Bluetooth casette idea, but my iPod doesn't have Bluetooth yet...

I think I will stick to the Aux cable for now... Now that Bluetooth came out, does someone know if it can be "added" to my stock radio? When I see the radio screen with direct sunlight, you can see all types of icons such as the Bluetooth icon, 1-6 CDs icons (even though I don't have 6-CD availability)... Just wondering...